Tire Traction Devices

ABSTRACT

A tire traction assembly for mounting upon a tire. The assembly includes a plurality of flexible members such as chains or cables engaged in pivoting connections with brackets at opposing ends. A separable adjustable connector such as a toothed member is attached to a first of the two brackets and configured for engagement with a ratchet mechanism attached to the second of the brackets to releasably secure the tire traction assembly around the tire. A plurality of traction cables configured to traverse the rolling surface of the tire are located in-between the brackets. The brackets may include a planar tread plate which has opposing planar side surfaces configuring the brackets to a U-shape.

This Application is a Continuation In Part to U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/259,223 filed on Apr. 23, 2014, which is incorporated hereinin its entirety by this reference thereto.

BACKGROUND

Snow, ice, freezing rain, and the like can make road surfaces slipperyand dangerous for motorists to successfully navigate. Tire tractiondevices, such as tire chains or cables, can be mounted to the tires of avehicle to improve traction and increase safety during these conditions.The process of mounting such traction devices to the tires of a vehiclemay be time-consuming, cumbersome, and dangerous. It would beadvantageous to provide tire traction devices which address these andother issues.

SUMMARY

A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth below. Itshould be understood that these aspects are presented merely to providethe reader with a brief summary of these certain embodiments and thatthese aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Generally, the present disclosure relates to tire traction devicescomprising a tire traction assembly configured to be mounted on a tireand more specifically, the present disclosure relates to tire tractiondevices comprising a tire traction assembly that is releasably securedaround a tire via an attachment assembly comprising a pair of bracketsand an attachment mechanism securely attached to the brackets andpositioned about the outward facing sidewall of the tire. In accordancewith the present disclosure, traction devices may be configured suchthat a user may mount the traction device to the tire from the outwardfacing side of a vehicle to which the tire is mounted, generally withouthaving to reach around to the inward facing side of the tire to securethe traction device.

Traction devices in accordance with the present disclosure feature atire traction assembly configured to be mounted on a tire; a pair ofbrackets attached to opposite ends of the tire traction assembly, thebrackets configured to substantially straddle the sidewalls of the tire;and an attachment mechanism comprising first and second mating elementsattached to opposite brackets, the mating elements configured toreleasably secure the device to the tire from the outward facing side ofa vehicle on which the tire is mounted. In some embodiments, the firstmating element comprises a ratchet mechanism and the second matingelement comprises a toothed member.

In some embodiments, traction devices in accordance with the presentdisclosure feature a tire traction assembly having a plurality ofelastomeric tensioners positioned about the traction assembly, theelastomeric tensioners each configured to substantially maintainseparation between at least two points of the traction assembly by adistance defined by the length of the elastomeric tensioner when in anunloaded position.

In some embodiments, traction devices in accordance with the presentdisclosure feature a tire traction assembly comprising a pair offlexible members such as a pair of tension cables or chains, configuredto align in a substantially concentric orientation about oppositesidewalls of the tire, defining a first radius; a plurality of tractionmembers such as flexible cables or chains, attached at opposite ends tothe flexible members such as tension cables, the traction cablesconfigured to traverse the rolling surface of the tire; and one or moresecondary flexible members such as support cables, configured to alignin a substantially concentric orientation about a second radius at leastgreater than the first radius, the support cables being securelyattached to one or more of the traction cables. In some embodiments, thesecond radius is approximately equal to the outer radius of the tire towhich the traction assembly is to be mounted.

Additionally, the present disclosure provides methods of providingtraction to a tire. In some embodiments, a tire traction assembly ispositioned around a tire, the tire traction assembly being securelyattached at its opposing ends to two brackets, using a connector such asa toothed member which is securely attached to one bracket is engagedwith a ratchet mechanism which is securely attached to the otherbracket, so that the ratchet mechanism receives the toothed member andthereby releasably secures the tire traction assembly around the tire.The brackets may be positioned such that the ratchet mechanism andtoothed member face outwardly from a vehicle on which the tire ismounted, so as to facilitate installation and removal. Other embodimentsemploy a releasable connector with first and second halves engaged torespective one of the first and second brackets.

The foregoing summary may contain simplifications, generalizations,inclusions, and/or omissions of detail; consequently, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is notintended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrativeaspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects,embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to thedrawings, claims, and the following detailed description.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a traction devicemounted on a tire.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of a traction deviceshown in FIG. 1, viewed from the inward facing side.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of a traction deviceshown in FIGS. 1 and 2, shown as if mounted on a tire, but with the tireomitted for clarity.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one portion of a traction deviceembodiment showing an attachment assembly.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of an attachment assemblyportion of the traction device shown in FIG. 4, viewed from the inwardfacing side.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an attachmentmechanism portion of a traction device.

FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of anattachment mechanism, with a toothed member partially inserted into aratchet mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the linkage used incertain embodiments of a traction device to fasten a traction assemblyto an attachment assembly.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the linkageused in certain embodiments of a traction device to fasten a tractionassembly to an attachment assembly.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a tractiondevice mounted on a tire.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the embodiment of a traction deviceshown in 10 FIG. 10, shown as if mounted on a tire, but with the tireomitted for clarity.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of anattachment assembly portion of a traction device.

FIG. 13 is a perspective, exploded view, depicting means for attachingan elastomeric tensioner to a traction device.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the attachment assembly portion of atraction device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one portion of the traction deviceembodiment showing another configuration of an attachment assemblywherein the inner and outer attachment cables are rotationally engagedto the brackets with a pivoting connector with apertures in thebrackets.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one portion of the traction deviceembodiment showing another configuration of an attachment assemblywherein the flexible members are shown as chains in pivoting connectionswith apertures in the brackets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a parthereof. The illustrative embodiments described herein, the drawings, andthe claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may beutilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from thespirit or scope of the present disclosure. The following detaileddescription of exemplary embodiments is therefore not to be taken in alimiting sense, and it is intended that other embodiments are within thescope of the present disclosure. The claimed subject matter is definedby the appended claims and their equivalents.

The present disclosure relates generally to traction devices to bemounted on tires, and more specifically, the present disclosure relatesto tire traction devices that are releasably attached only from theoutward facing side of a vehicle on which the tire is mounted. In someembodiments, the traction device may be mounted on a tire without theneed to reach around to the inward facing side of the tire to secure thetraction device. In some embodiments a tire traction assembly isreleasably secured around a tire via an attachment assembly comprising apair of brackets and an attachment mechanism securely attached to thebrackets and positioned about the outward facing sidewall of the tire.The traction devices disclosed herein improve traction and allow forenhanced vehicular navigation over snow, ice, mud, and other slipperydriving surfaces or terrain. The traction devices may be applied to anyone or more tires. Generally, the traction devices would be applied toat least two tires, but could be applied to more tires, e.g., four tiresor more, depending on the vehicle, the road conditions, and the amountof additional traction needed.

Generally, conventional traction devices, such as tire chains or cables(collectively referred to herein as “conventional chains”), can bedifficult to properly affix to a tire. For example, with the roll-onmethod for mounting conventional chains, the chain is draped over thetop of the wheel, and then the vehicle gradually drives forward, withthe tire rolling upon a certain length of the chain, before oppositeends of the chain are attached together around the circumference of thetire. Alternatively, conventional chains may be laid out on the ground,ensuring for proper alignment with the tires of the vehicle, thengradually driving the vehicle on top of the chains, generally to amiddle portion, and then wrapping the chains up over the tire andaffixing the ends together. The roll-on method requires multiple stopsof the vehicle, and particularly during inclement weather or upon roughor unimproved terrain, users may experience difficulty in properlyaligning conventional chains and advancing the vehicle forward to theproper mounting position.

Many users will appreciate the convenience of mounting conventionalchains with one-stop of the vehicle, and without the added step ofadvancing the vehicle forward over a length of the chain. This one-stopmounting, however, tends to result in inadequate mounting ofconventional chains, such as an inordinate chain gap across the portionof the tire contracting the ground during mounting, which can result ina section of tire having inadequate traction, misalignment or inadequatechain tension, which can result in conventional chains becomingpartially or fully detached from the tire.

With conventional chains, frequently a user must reach to the inwardfacing side of the tire to secure the chain ends together. This processis time consuming, cumbersome, and frequently dirty. Especially ininclement weather or upon unimproved terrain, mounting conventionalchains is usually not an enjoyable task. It can be difficult anduncomfortable for a user to reach around a tire, which may be wet,dirty, and covered with snow and ice, mud, etc. From an ergonomicstandpoint, in order to install conventional chains, a user may need tokneel or lay on the ground in order to reach the attachment mechanismson either side of the tire. In addition, the user is at great personalrisk of getting injured by a passing motorist when applying conventionalchains to a vehicle. These and other challenges have led to users thatare unwilling or unable to properly mount conventional chains.

Other devices have been developed to replace conventional chains yetprovide similar benefits of added traction. For example, other devicesmay consist of a central hub and a plurality of arms with a tractionsurface that extend outwardly from the hub and wrap around the tire.These devices have their own set of disadvantages. For example, thetraction arms must be sufficiently thick to provide durability, whichresults in a rough driving experience relative to conventional chainswhich may be constructed with relatively narrow diameter. These andother problems concerning conventional chains and other traction devicesrepresent long-felt yet unmet needs. Therefore, solutions to theaforementioned problems are desirable.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure provides for tire traction devices comprising atire traction assembly that are easy for a user to quickly and securelymount to the tires of a vehicle, and more specifically, the presentdisclosure provides for tire traction devices comprising a tractionassembly that is releasably secured around the tire via an attachmentmechanism positioned about the outward facing sidewall of the tire. Insome embodiments, a traction device is configured such that a user maymount the traction device to the tire without having to reach around tothe inward facing side of the tire to secure the traction device.Traction devices in accordance with the present disclosure may beconfigured to facilitate one-stop mounting.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, one embodiment of a traction device inaccordance with the present disclosure is shown, as mounted on a tire.In accordance with the present disclosure, a traction device comprises atraction assembly 100 which wraps substantially around a tire 102 and isreleasably secured to the tire via an attachment assembly 104, theattachment assembly comprising a pair of brackets 106, 108, configuredto substantially straddle the traction surface and sidewalls of thetire, and an attachment mechanism 110 securely attached to the brackets106, 108, and configured to releasably secure the traction device to atire. As shown in the figures, the attachment mechanism 110 ispositioned about the outward facing sidewall of the tire. In someembodiments, a traction device may be additionally releasably secured byan attachment mechanism positioned about the inward facing sidewall ofthe tire; however, as shown, this feature is omitted, such that a usermay mount the traction device to a tire using the first half which isengageable with the second half of the attachment mechanism 110 withouthaving to reach around to the inward facing side of the tire.

Referring to FIG. 3, one embodiment of a traction device is shown, as ifmounted on a tire, but with the tire omitted for clarity. The tractionassembly 100 may comprise a plurality of cables, chains, combinations ofcables and chains, or the like which as noted for convenience arereferred to herein as inner attachment cable 302 and outer attachmentcable 304. The traction assembly 100 is secured to a tire via anattachment assembly 104 at opposing ends of the attachment cables,comprising a pair of brackets 106, 108, and an attachment mechanism 110.As shown, the attachment mechanism 110 is positioned about the outwardfacing sidewall of the tire, to facilitate installation and removal. Thetraction assembly 100 comprises flexible members forming an innerattachment cable 302 and an outer attachment cable 304, each configuredto extend in a substantially concentric manner about the respectiveinner and outer sidewalls of the tire, thus defining a radius, both ofwhich attachment cables are attached at their ends to the attachmentassembly 104, for example, at the brackets 106, 108. As noted above,while the term attachment cables is employed for the flexible membersherein for convenience and the attachment cables 302 and 304 are shownas cabling in many of the drawings, any flexible member with sufficientstrength and which will engage around a tire and to the brackets 106 and108 at distal ends, such as a chain shown in FIG. 16 can also beemployed as it is the U-shaped rigid brackets 106 and 108 which renderthe engagement of the attachment cables 302 and 304 to hold the tractionassembly 100 on a tire without the need to secure them behind the tire.

Optionally, the traction assembly 100 further comprises an inner supportcable 312 and an outer support cable 314, provided, for example, to helpalign the traction assembly about the tire. Support cables 312, 314 maybe positioned to extend in a substantially concentric manner, thusdefining a radius, for example, a radius at least greater than theradius defined by the tension cables 302, 304. As shown, the radiusdefined by support cables 312, 314 is approximately equal to the outerradius of the tire to which the traction assembly is to be mounted.

The traction assembly 100 further comprises a plurality of tractionmembers 318 shown as traction cables 316, spaced for example, atsubstantially uniform intervals, between the brackets 106, 108. Thetraction members 318 are configured to extend from attachments to theflexible members shown as inner attachment cables 302 and outerattachment cables 304. Such may be direct attachments or may employ theoptional inner flexible member shown as inner support cable 312, acrossthe rolling surface of the tire, to the optional outer flexible membershown as a support cable 314 which form the connection to the outerflexible member shown as the outer attachment cable 304, with asubstantially perpendicular orientation relative to the attachmentcables and the support cables. By substantially is meant running normalor at 90 degrees between the attachment cables 302 and 302 plus or minusten degrees.

In some embodiments, the traction assembly 100 further comprises theplurality of traction members 318 comprising a plurality of tractionelements (not shown) having a textured surface or othertraction-imparting features configured to improve tire traction.Traction-imparting features may include any features known in the art.In some embodiments, the traction members 318 may be affixed to aplurality of traction cables 316, such as by threading the tractioncables through the traction members or by crimping the traction membersto the traction cables, etc. In other embodiments, the traction cables316 are configured to provide a textured surface or othertraction-imparting features sufficient to serve the purpose of thetraction members or the traction elements, in which case additionaltraction members may not be provided, other than the textured surface ortraction-imparting features of the traction cables. In yet otherembodiments, both the traction members 318 and the traction cables 316may be configured to provide traction-imparting features. In someembodiments, the configuration of traction cables 316 may differ asbetween the portion traversing the rolling surface of a tire and theportions traversing the sidewalls of a tire; for example, tractionimparting features may be provided only across a subsection of tractioncables 316, e.g., across the subsection which substantially comprisesthe portion intended to traverse the rolling surface of the tire. Asused herein, references to the traction members 318 also means andincludes the plurality of traction elements and/or the traction cables316, either together or in the alternative.

In some embodiments, the relative position of the traction cables 316are, in part, maintained by a plurality of optional tensioners 320. Thetensioners may comprise elastomeric tensioners, made from elastomericmaterial, although various alternative forms of tensioners may be used,for example, those which are capable of returning to their substantiallyoriginal shape when a tension force is removed. In some embodiments, aplurality of tensioners 320 are attached at their ends to segments oftension cables 302, 304. In some embodiments, flexible members providingthe attachment cables 302, 304 are threaded through the plurality oftensioners 320.

In some embodiments, the relative position of the traction cables 316are, in part, further maintained by optional support cables, 312, 314,which may be connected to the traction cables by cable crimps, forexample as shown in FIG. 11. As shown, the traction cables 316 arespaced at substantially uniform intervals between the brackets 106, 108.

The plurality of cables making up the traction assembly 100 may beconstructed of stainless steel alloy cable or other suitable materials.The traction elements may be constructed of hardened steel alloy orother suitable materials. Other elements may be constructed of stainlesssteel alloy or hardened steel, or other suitable materials.

Referring to FIG. 4, one embodiment of an attachment assembly 104 isshown. The attachment assembly 104 comprises brackets 106, 108, whichare substantially rigid and are generally U-shaped. The brackets 106,108 each comprise a tread plate 400 configured to contact theground/road on one side and the rolling surface of a tire on the otherside, and side surfaces 402, configured such that the brackets 106, 108wrap across the rolling surface and at least partially around oppositesidewalls of a tire 102, thereby substantially straddling the sidewallsof the tire.

The dimensions of the brackets 106, 108 may be configured to receive oneor more tire sizes. For example, the inner width between a pair offacing side surfaces 402 may be dimensioned slightly wider than thewidth of the tire, so as to enable the brackets 106, 108 to securelystraddle the sidewalls of the tire, yet also allow the tire to flex ordeform, e.g., while bearing the weight of the vehicle, without exertingundue force on the side surfaces 402. Typically, the inner width betweena pair of facing side surfaces 402 will be between about ⅛ of one inchto about 1 inch wider than the width of a tire suitable for mounting.

Brackets 106, 108 may be constructed from a hardened steel alloy orother suitable material that has sufficient strength to resist forcesand sufficient hardness to resist friction or wearing from the drivingsurface. Brackets may be manufactured via a formed/stamped metal processor other manufacturing processes known in the art.

Flexible members such as attachment cables 302, 304 are attached tobrackets 106, 108, respectively preferably in a pivotal engagement suchas with linkage 406, 408 such as a clevis and pin linkage or with acable connector engaged with an aperture in the brackets 106 and 108,discussed in more detail below. When employed for a pivoting connectionof flexible members such as inner and outer attachment cables 302 and304, the linkage 406, 408 is secured generally about each end offlexible members shown as attachment cables on one end, and to the sidesurface 402 of the respective brackets on the other end. Pivotingengagements from linkages 406, 408 may be configured in a multitude offashions, such as e.g., with a clevis configured to attach to thelinkage to bracket 106 or 108, and/or connector engageable with a slotor keyhole or aperture in the brackets 106 and 108, configured toreceive attachment cable 302, 304, as discussed in more detail below.

Respective ends of both engageable connectors forming a first half andsecond half of the attachment mechanism 110, are attached in engagementsto opposite brackets 106, 108. In some embodiments, the attachmentmechanism 110 is positioned about the outward facing sidewall of thetire 102, and configured such that a user may mount the traction deviceto the tire without having to reach around to the inward facing side ofthe tire.

When installed on a tire, the attachment mechanism 104 in FIGS. 4 and15-16, provides a releasable secure connection with substantial rigidityto withstand forces during operation, e.g., lateral, radial, rotational,and torsional forces. In some embodiments, one or both of the first halfand second half of the attachment mechanism 110 are pivotably attachedto brackets 106 and/or 108, respectively, to accommodate a range of tirecircumferences and/or to help align the respective portions of theattachment mechanism during installation, while maintaining substantialrigidity. This pivotable attachment can be accomplished, for example, asshown in FIG. 5, by attaching the first half and second half of theattachment mechanism desired to be pivotable to the bracket(s) inpivoting engagements 503 at two pivoting connection points, 502 and 504,the first connection point 502 defining an axis about which the firsthalf of the attachment mechanism portion may pivot relative to therespective bracket, and the second connection point 504 having acrescent-shaped slot 506 which defines the pivotable range of theattachment mechanism relative to the respective bracket. Of course thepivoting engagement 503 can be on a single point on each of the firsthalf of the attachment mechanism 110 and the second half of theattachment mechanism 110 and on the respective side surfaces 402 of therespective bracket 106 or 108 to which a respective half of theattachment mechanism 110 engages, rather than at two points. A similarpivoting engagement 503 is described below and shown in FIGS. 15-16,however, any pivoting attachment of the first half of the attachmentmechanism 110 to one of the brackets and second half of the attachmentmechanism 110 to the other of the two brackets 106 and 108, as wouldoccur to those skilled in the art are considered within the scope ofthis invention. For example, having the two halves engaged on at onepoint using a post engaged with a respective opening in each bracket 106and 108, or having a bearing mounted on the side surface 402 of eachbracket 106 and 108, and connecting each of the first half of theattachment mechanism 110 and second half of the attachment mechanism 110to one of the respective bearings.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the surface of treadplate 400 comprises perforations or holes 404, configured to reduce therotational mass of the brackets 106, 108, and/or to provide an improvedtraction surface to the tread plate. For example, the improved tractionsurface may include protrusions (not shown), such as ribs surroundingthe perimeter of the perforations or holes 404, or any desired surfacetexture.

The each of a first half and second half of an attachment mechanism 110may be attached to the brackets 106, 108 at respective attachment pointsvia pins, bolts, rivets, or the like, and may include bushings or thelike to facilitate a smooth pivoting motion. The first half and secondhalf of the attachment mechanism are slidably adjustable to a fixableengagement with each other to thereby allow for adjustment of thepositioning of the brackets 106 and 108 and tightening of the flexiblemembers such as the inner attachment cable 302 and outer attachmentcable 304. In some embodiments, substantially flat or low profile,smooth heads are used, such as the bolts 700 shown in FIG. 7. Thisconfiguration is advantageous because it minimizes wear on the tiresidewall during use of the traction device. One or both removablyengageable fastener halves forming the attachment mechanism 110 may bebolted with a two-bolt arrangement that allows pivoting of such halfportion(s) relative to the bracket(s) 106, 108 to which such portion(s)is attached. Alternatively, one or both removably engageable fasteningcomponents or portions of the attachment mechanism 110 may be welded tothe respective brackets 106, 108 to increase rigidity. When pivotablyattached, the pivotable halves which removably engaged and form theattachment mechanism 110 are permitted to pivot about the firstconnection point 502 to the 30 extent allowed by the crescent shapedslot 506 (as shown in FIG. 5). As can be understood from the drawings,in all modes of the attachment mechanism 110 can be provided by any suchmechanism which has a first half removably engageable with a second halfand which preferably will adjust in engagement to adjust for the varyingpositioning of the two brackets 106 and 108 on varying sized tires.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, one embodiment of an attachment mechanism110 is shown. In accordance with the present disclosure, attachmentmechanism may comprise any mating elements configured to releasablysecure the traction device to a tire and as shown, secure the brackets106 and 108 in a fixed spacing from each other, when positioned around atire. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism 110 comprises aratchet device. In the mode in FIGS. 15-16 the attachment mechanism 118is shown with a spring loaded pin engageable with a plurality ofsequentially spaced openings. As can be discerned, a number of ratchetdevices are known in the art. Suitable ratchet devices in accordancewith the present disclose are those having sufficient rigidity andstrength to withstand forces during operation, for example, lateral,radial, and torsional forces. The ratchet device may be constructed insuch a manner and of such a material so as to minimize unwanted flex ormovement in or between the various components comprising the ratchetdevice.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, one embodiment of an attachment mechanism 110comprises opposite portions, of which one portion, which is a firstportion of the attachment mechanism 110 comprises an elongated toothedmember 600 having a plurality of teeth 602 and the mating or otherportion of the attachment mechanism 110, comprises a ratchet mechanism604 configured to slidably receive the toothed member 600 and thereby toreleasably secure the tire traction assembly to a tire, as shown forexample in FIG. 1. The toothed member 600 is securely attached, eitherfixedly or pivotably, to one bracket (e.g., 108), and the ratchetmechanism 604 is securely attached, either fixedly or pivotably, to theother bracket (e.g., 106). In some embodiments, the ratchet mechanism604 comprises a sleeve 606 configured to receive at least a portion ofthe toothed member 600, a pawl mechanism 608 configured to advance thetoothed member into the sleeve 606, a ratcheting lever 610 configured torotate the pawl mechanism 608 via a ratchet wheel 612, and a releasable,spring-loaded locking lever 614 configured to utilize the bias of aspring 616 to releasably secure the pawl mechanism 608 in its positionvia a pin 618 engaged with the ratchet wheel 612, or, to release thepawl mechanism 608 upon actuation by a user applying pressure againstthe bias of the spring 616, thereby disengaging the pin 618 from theratchet wheel.

The toothed member 600 and the sleeve 606 are substantially rigid, andmay be, for example, formed entirely of metal, or of a plastic toothedstrap bonded to a metal substrate, or other suitable materials. Afterpassing through pawl mechanism 608, the toothed member 600 is receivedby the sleeve 606, which substantially prevents the toothed member frompivoting relative to the sleeve, even though in some embodiments thetoothed member and/or the sleeve may be pivotably attached to therespective brackets 106, 108. Sleeve 606 also helps stabilize toothedmember 600, e.g., from lateral, radial, rotational, and torsionalforces, thereby minimizing unwanted flex or movement between the ratchetmechanism 604 and the toothed member 600, and between the attachmentmechanism 110 and brackets 106, 108.

Ratchet mechanism 604 comprises a ratcheting lever 610 that whenactuated upon by a user turns the pawl mechanism 608 via toothed ratchetwheel 612. When a user inserts toothed member 600 into sleeve 606, thepawl mechanism engages teeth 602. The toothed member 600 may be advancedsuccessively further into the ratchet mechanism 604 by the userrepeatedly actuating ratcheting lever 610, thereby causing the pawlmechanism 608 to pull toothed member 600 into sleeve 606, and thusdrawing brackets 106, 108 towards one another. This process therebyreduces the effective radius of the attachment cables 302, 304, and thusas the radius is so reduced, the entire traction assembly 100 is securedaround the perimeter of the tire.

Locking lever 614 is spring biased to positively engage the ratchetwheel 612 via pin 618. To release the toothed member 600 from theratchet mechanism 604, such as to remove the traction device from a tireupon which is has been previously mounted, a user simply actuates thelocking lever 614, thereby releasing the pawl mechanism 608 from teeth602, which, in turn, allows the toothed member 600, to slide through thesleeve 606 and out of the ratchet mechanism.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, alternative embodiments of a linkage 406 and408, respectively, are shown for attaching the attachment cables 302,304 to the brackets 106, 108. In some embodiments, linkage 406 (shown inFIG. 8) is used on one side of each attachment cable, and linkage 408(shown in FIG. 9) is used on the opposite side of each attachment cable.

Referring to FIG. 8, one embodiment of a linkage 406 which forms apivoting or rotating engagement of the attachment cable 302 or 304 tothe brackets 106 and 108, comprises a clevis 802 and a pin 804 which isinserted through holes in the clevis and a corresponding hole in therespective bracket 106 or 108, thereby securely attaching the linkage tothe respective bracket. Pin 804 is secured by a cotter pin 806, or thelike. Attachment cable 302 or 304 may be securely fastened to the end ofthe linkage 406 by crimping the end of the linkage around the attachmentcable, or by the use of set-screws, welding, or the like. However, otherrotational or pivoting engagements may be employed such as shown inFIGS. 15-16 where a fastener engages rotationally in an aperture on thebrackets 106 and 108 or a link should the cables be configured aschains.

Referring to FIG. 9, one embodiment for forming a pivoting connection, alinkage 408 comprises a clevis 902 and a pin 904 which is insertedthrough holes in the clevis and a corresponding hole in the respectivebracket 106, 108, thereby securely attaching the linkage to therespective bracket. Pin 904 is secured by a cotter pin 906, or the like.Flexible members shown as attachment cable 302 or 304 may be securelyfastened to the end of the linkage 408 by co operable fastener elementscomprising a receiving slot 908 accessible via keyhole 910, configuredto receive one of a plurality of lugs 912 fastened to the end wardportion of attachment cable 302 and/or 304. The plurality of lugs 912are spaced at various intervals, such that by inserting the appropriatelug into keyhole 910 and seating such lug into receiving slot 908, auser may adjust the effective circumference of the attachment cables 302and/or 304, thereby configuring the traction assembly so as to fit arange of tires having a circumference corresponding to the compatiblecircumference of the attachment cables. Thus, the effective length ofthe attachment cable is determined by the number of lugs insertedthrough the keyhole 910 and the particular lug seated in the receivingslot 908.

Referring to FIGS. 10-12, an additional embodiment of a traction deviceis shown, depicting certain additional optional features in accordancewith the present disclosure. In some embodiments, ferrules 1000 areutilized to secure intersections between the various cables of thetraction assembly. Ferrules 1000 may be positioned at some or all of theintersections where various cables of the traction assembly intersect.As shown, ferrules 1000 secure intersections between traction cables 316and attachment cables 302, 304, and between traction cables 316 andsupport cables 312, 314. Ferrules 1000 may be constructed of aluminum orother materials suitable for being pressed or crimped around cables.Alternatively, in some embodiments, ferrules 1000 may be omitted, forexample where the artisan desires certain intersecting cables to floatfreely; or in further alternative embodiments ferrules 1000 may beomitted when the artisan desires an alternative means for securingintersecting cables, or where aspects of the traction assembly comprisea single, interwoven cable, or where the flexible members of thetraction assembly are constructed from links of chain (as shown in FIG.14 and FIG. 16).

Further referring to additional optional features depicted in FIGS.10-12, in some embodiments, elastomeric tensioners may be positioned atvarious locations about a traction device. Such elastomeric tensionersmay be configured to enhance the alignment of the traction assembly, forexample, the relative position of the traction members 318 about therolling surface of a tire; to absorb slack or dampen movements in thetraction assembly or between the traction assembly and the attachmentassembly, for example, slack or movement introduced during operation;and/or to aid in the installation of a traction device, for example, bysubstantially maintaining separation—provided by the free length of thetensioner when in the unloaded position—between various aspects of thetraction assembly so as to facilitate positioning of the tractionassembly about the surface of a tire during installation (e.g., to helpfacilitate one-stop mounting) and/or to reduce tangling among tractionassembly aspects during storage, transportation, or installation.Elastomeric tensioners may be constructed from any elastic and/orresilient material known in the art that has sufficient pliability andstrength to withstand forces exerted upon the traction device while inuse, such as rubber, polymer materials, composites, and the like.

In some embodiments, a plurality of bracket tensioners 1010 (FIGS.10-12) and/or traction assembly tensioners 1012 (FIGS. 10, 11) may beprovided. Bracket tensioners 1010 may be positioned, for example,between brackets 106, 108 and the respective adjacent support cables312, 314. Traction assembly tensioners 1012 may be positioned, forexample, at substantially uniform spaced intervals about the tractionassembly, on both the outward and/or inward facing aspects of thetraction assembly. As shown in FIGS. 10, 11, a plurality of tractionassembly tensioners 1012 may be positioned about attachment cables 302,304, for example at intersections between a traction cable 316 and anattachment cable 302 or 304.

Referring to FIG. 13, an exploded view of one embodiment of anelastomeric tensioner is shown, depicting means for attaching thetensioner to the traction device. As shown in FIG. 13, one embodiment ofa traction assembly tensioner 1012 comprises a midsection 1300, and endsections 1302. End sections 1302 are configured with bores 1304, whichare dimensioned to slidably seat around posts 1306, of which a pluralitymay be positioned about the traction assembly. In some embodiments,posts 1306 are fixedly attached to ferrules 1000, the ferrules beingsecurely attached to the traction assembly, for example, atintersections between a traction cable 316 and an attachment cable 302or 304. As shown, posts 1306 may be configured with a flange 1310positioned at the distal aspect of the posts. The flanges 1310 areconfigured with an outer diameter sufficiently larger than the diameterof the bores 1304, such that flange may slide through a bore 1304 with adegree of resistance, so as to slidably seat end section 1302 over post1306. When end section 1302 is slidably seated over post 1306, flange1310 serves to resist unintended disengagement of the end section fromthe post. Elastomeric tensioners may be constructed from any materialthat allows a degree of expansion sufficient to allow bores 1304 toaccommodate the diameter of flange 1310.

Although FIG. 13 depicts a traction assembly tensioner, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that bracket tensioners 1010 may similarly besecurely attached to a traction device using the post and boreconfiguration depicted in FIG. 13. Alternatively, elastomeric tensionersmay be secured using bolts, rivets, or the like. Those skilled in theart will further appreciate that the tensioners described hereinrepresent an optional alternative embodiment, and that traction deviceswhich omit these features are nevertheless within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 14, another embodiment of an attachment assemblyportion of a traction device is shown in accordance with the presentdisclosure. As shown in FIG. 14, a traction assembly 100 may beconstructed where the flexible members are formed from links of chain.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the decision of whether toconstruct a traction assembly from cables vs. chains is a design choicewhich depends primarily on the intended use and durability of thetraction device. For example, chains are generally used for “heavy duty”uses, such as for traction devices intended for use with large trucks,heavy industrial or agricultural equipment, tractors, transportationvehicles and trailers, and other large vehicles, or where substantialwear and tear may be expected. Conversely, cables are generally used for“light duty” uses, such as for small passenger cars, motorcycles, etc.,or where wear and tear is expected to be light. For “medium duty” uses,either cables or chains may be used, or alternatively, some embodimentsmay comprise a combination of cables and chains. While the artisan willappreciate these generalities, it is understood that the flexiblemembers of the traction assembly 100 may be formed of cables, chains,and/or a combination thereof may be used for any vehicle in accordancewith the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 15, a perspective view of an attachment mechanism 110is shown depicting another mode of engagement of the two brackets 106and 108, similar in operation as the attachment assembly 104 of FIG. 4in that an adjustable engagement is achieved between mating componentsof an attachment mechanism 110 which removably engage.

As depicted the attachment assembly 104 as in other modes hereinincludes brackets 106, 108, which are substantially rigid and aregenerally U-shaped. The brackets 106, 108 may each include a tread plate400 configured to contact the ground/road on one side and the rollingsurface of a tire on the other side, and side surfaces 402, configuredsuch that the brackets 106, 108 wrap across the rolling surface and atleast partially around opposite sidewalls of a tire, therebysubstantially straddling the sidewalls of the tire. The brackets 106,108 may be constructed from a hardened steel alloy or other suitablematerial that has sufficient strength to resist forces and sufficienthardness to resist friction or wearing from the driving surface.

As also shown, attachment cables 302, 304 are attached to brackets 106,108, preferably with a pivoting engagement where cable connectors 303 atthe distal ends of attachment cables 302 and 304, are in a pivotingconnection with the brackets 106 and 108 such as by engagement of thecable connectors 303 through an aperture 403 formed through the sidesurfaces 402 of the brackets. Other pivoting engagements of theattachment cables 302 and 304 to the brackets 106 and 108 my be employedsuch as those shown in FIG. 4, or other such pivoting connections whichwill stand the force imparted during use.

The attachment mechanism 110 as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, employs anattachment mechanism 110 with engageable connectors or halves of theattachment mechanism 110 are attached to opposite brackets 106, 108. Asshown in FIGS. 15-16 the attachment mechanism 110 is positioned aboutthe outward facing side surface of the tire 102 shown in FIG. 10, andconfigured such that a user may mount the traction assembly 100 aroundand to the tire without having to reach around to the inward facing sideof the tire.

The attachment mechanism 110 in FIGS. 15-16 is formed of two halveswhere one half of the attachment mechanism 110 is engaged to one bracket106 and the other half of the attachment mechanism is engaged to theother bracket 108, and the two halves are removably engageable with eachother and are slidably adjustable to a fixable engagement which allowthe engagement ends of the two halves, which are engaged with therespective brackets 106 and 108, to be adjusted toward and away fromeach other and then fixed in position by the engagements to the twohalves of the attachment mechanism 110. As shown in FIGS. 15-16, thisadjustable sliding fixable engagement is provided by a pin 111 on afirst half of the attachment mechanism 110 which is positionable intoany of a plurality of sequentially positioned apertures 113 formed intoa second half of the attachment mechanism 110. Such adjustment allowsfor the traction assembly 100 to be installed on a tire and the twobrackets 106 to be held in fixed positions and in a fixed spacing fromeach other by the attachment mechanism 110 and the fixed spacing may beadjusted as needed to maintain the cables 302 and 304 of the tractionassembly 100 taught.

The same configuration of the attachment mechanism 110 is shown in FIG.16, however as shown, the flexible members are provided by chainsforming a first flexible member or inner attachment cable 302 and secondflexible member or outer attachment cable 304. Chains forming theflexible members of the attachment cables 302 and 304 may be employedwhere the traction assembly 100 is anticipated to encounter heavy dutyuse or on larger vehicles such as SUV's and trucks.

Installation and Removal Process

The present disclosure is intended to provide easy, one-stop mounting ofthe tire traction assembly 100 disclosed herein. To mount a tractiondevice upon a tire in accordance 10 with the present disclosure, theuser would drape the tire traction assembly 100 over the tire 102. Thenthe user would feed the first half of the attachment mechanism 110 intoengagement with the second half of the attachment mechanism 110 which isthen adjusted to hold the two brackets 106 and 108 engaged therewith ina fixed spacing from each other. The attachment mechanism 110, forexample, when formed as a tooth and ratchet which are slidablyadjustable to a fixable engagement between the two. Such is accomplishedby sliding the toothed member 600 into the ratchet mechanism 604 andthen actuating the ratchet mechanism by successively pulling theratcheting lever 610, thereby drawing toothed member 600 into sleeve606. As toothed member 600 draws further into sleeve 606, brackets 106,108 are drawn closer together, which, in turn reduces the effectivecircumference of attachment cables 302, 304, thereby securing thetraction assembly around the tire. The engagement of the attachmentmechanism 110 is substantially the same where a pin 113 is engaged to afirst half of the attachment mechanism 110 which engages any of aplurality of sequentially positioned apertures 113 in the second half ofthe attachment mechanism 110. Pushing the bracket 108 toward the otherbracket 106 while placing the first and second halves of the attachmentmechanism in engagement will tighten the flexible members forming theattachment cables 302 and 304, and until the flexible members are taughtwhereupon the pin 113 is engaged to an aligned aperture 113 and thebrackets 106 and 108 are held in a fixed spacing by the attachmentmechanism 110 which may be readjusted later if necessary.

To uninstall a traction device in accordance with the presentdisclosure, the user would generally drive the vehicle to a positionwhere brackets 106, 108 are positioned at any location about therotation of the tire other than directly pinched between the tire andthe ground/road. The user would then release locking lever 614 and slidetoothed member 600 out of the ratchet mechanism 604. The user would thenslide brackets 106, 108 off of the tire 102, and then drape theattachment assembly 104 to the side of the tire, setting the assemblymechanism on the ground/road. Finally, the user would drive the vehicleforward a sufficient distance to free the portion of the traction devicethat was located beneath the tire during removal, causing the vehicletires to drive over a portion of the traction assembly 100, and not aportion of the attachment assembly 104 is comprised of two removablyengageable mating attachment components which will adjustably engage, soas to allow the positioning of the two brackets 106 and 108 fixed indistance from each other when positioned operatively on the tire.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

A number of embodiments have been described herein. Nevertheless, itwill be understood that other aspects and embodiments will be apparentto those skilled in the art, and accordingly, that various modificationsmay be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure. For example, the dimensions of the device could be varied toallow for the device to be used on various tire sizes.

As a further example, an alternate embodiment of brackets 106, 108 mayfeature stamped, recessed areas on the side surfaces 402 designed toreduce wear on the sidewalls of a tire which may be caused by connectionpoints, 502, 504 or pins 804, 904. Such stamped, recessed areas may beconfigured to provide a substantially aligned plane among the contactpoints between the two removably engaged fastening components formingthe attachment assembly 104 and the sidewalls of a tire. Such recessedareas could be created by use of a stamp-form manufacturing process. Inaddition, stamped, recessed areas could be configured to increase thestrength of the brackets.

Further, the attachment mechanism was described as a ratchet-stylemechanism, alternate embodiments could feature other mating elements orattachment methods and mechanisms, provided that the requirement ofsecurely attaching the traction device to the tire is accomplished.Other mating elements or attachment mechanisms in accordance with thepresent disclosure include bolts, clasps, hooks, tension levers, drawlatches, turnbuckles, and the like.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to be limiting. Accordingly, it isintended that other embodiments are within the scope of the followingclaims and their equivalents:

What is claimed is:
 1. A tire engageable traction device comprising: atire traction assembly configured to be mounted on a tire, two bracketswhich are attached to ends of the tire traction assembly, said tiretraction assembly comprising a plurality of flexible members; a firsthalf of an attachment mechanism in a first connection at one end, to afirst of said two brackets; a second half of said attachment mechanismin a second connection to a second of said two brackets; opposing endsof each of said plurality of flexible members being in a respectiveengagement to one of said first bracket or said second bracket; and saidfirst half of said attachment mechanism configured to receive saidsecond half of said attachment mechanism in a removable engagement andthereby hold said first of said two brackets a fixed distance from saidsecond of said two brackets and thereby releasably secure the tiretraction assembly around the tire.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein aplurality of flexible members of said tire traction assembly comprise aninner flexible member and an outer flexible member and a plurality oftraction members extending to connected therebetween.
 3. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the brackets additionally comprise a planar tread plateengaged on opposite ends with a pair of opposing planar side surfacesforming said brackets in substantially a U-shape; and said respectiveengagement of said opposing ends of each of said plurality of flexiblemembers being a respective pivoting engagement to a respective saidplanar side surface of one of said first bracket or said second bracket.4. The device of claim 2, wherein the brackets additionally comprise aplanar tread plate engaged on opposite ends with a pair of opposingplanar side surfaces forming said brackets in substantially a U-shape;and said respective engagement of said opposing ends of each of saidplurality of flexible members being a respective pivoting engagement toa respective said planar side surface of one of said first bracket orsaid second bracket.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein said removableengagement of said first half of said attachment mechanism to saidsecond half of said attachment mechanism comprises: said first half andsecond half of the attachment mechanism slidably adjustable to a fixableengagement with said second half of the attachment mechanism to therebyallow provide adjustment of said fixed distance of said first of saidtwo brackets from said second of said two brackets.
 6. The device ofclaim 2, wherein said removable engagement of said first half of saidattachment mechanism to said second half of said attachment mechanismcomprises: said first half and second half of the attachment mechanismslidably adjustable to a fixable engagement with said second half of theattachment mechanism to thereby allow provide adjustment of said fixeddistance of said first of said two brackets from said second of said twobrackets.
 7. The device of claim 3, wherein said removable engagement ofsaid first half of said attachment mechanism to said second half of saidattachment mechanism comprises: said first half and second half of theattachment mechanism slidably adjustable to a fixable engagement withsaid second half of the attachment mechanism to thereby allow provideadjustment of said fixed distance of said first of said two bracketsfrom said second of said two brackets.
 8. The device of claim 4, whereinsaid removable engagement of said first half of said attachmentmechanism to said second half of said attachment mechanism comprises:said first half and second half of the attachment mechanism slidablyadjustable to a fixable engagement with said second half of theattachment mechanism to thereby allow provide adjustment of said fixeddistance of said first of said two brackets from said second of said twobrackets.
 9. The device of claim 5, wherein said attachment mechanismcomprises: said first half of said attachment mechanism having aratcheting mechanism; said second half of said attachment mechanismbeing a saw toothed member; and said saw toothed member being slidablyadjustable with said ratcheting mechanism.
 10. The device of claim 6,wherein said attachment mechanism comprises: said first half of saidattachment mechanism having a ratcheting mechanism; said second half ofsaid attachment mechanism being a saw toothed member; and said sawtoothed member being slidably adjustable with said ratcheting mechanism.11. The device of claim 7, wherein said attachment mechanism comprises:said first half of said attachment mechanism having a ratchetingmechanism; said second half of said attachment mechanism being a sawtoothed member; and said saw toothed member being slidably adjustablewith said ratcheting mechanism.
 12. The device of claim 8, wherein saidattachment mechanism comprises: said first half of said attachmentmechanism having a ratcheting mechanism; said second half of saidattachment mechanism being a saw toothed member; and said saw toothedmember being slidably adjustable with said ratcheting mechanism.
 13. Thedevice of claim 5, wherein said attachment mechanism comprises: a pinpositioned on said first half of the attachment mechanism; said pinengageable with any of a plurality of sequentially positioned apertureson said second half of said attachment mechanism.
 14. The device ofclaim 6, wherein said attachment mechanism comprises: a pin positionedon said first half of the attachment mechanism; said pin engageable withany of a plurality of sequentially positioned apertures on said secondhalf of said attachment mechanism.
 15. The device of claim 7, whereinsaid attachment mechanism comprises: a pin positioned on said first halfof the attachment mechanism; said pin engageable with any of a pluralityof sequentially positioned apertures on said second half of saidattachment mechanism.
 16. The device of claim 8, wherein said attachmentmechanism comprises: a pin positioned on said first half of theattachment mechanism; said pin engageable with any of a plurality ofsequentially positioned apertures on said second half of said attachmentmechanism.